Gotham FC: Overcoming the Underdog Label
Gotham FC, the champions of the 2023 NWSL, may not fit the typical underdog narrative, having reached the semifinals for the third consecutive year. However, the upcoming 2025 season poses its own challenges as the team slipped to 8th place in the regular standings, largely due to significant shifts in their offensive lineup. As they gear up for Saturday’s NWSL Championship against the Washington Spirit (8 p.m. ET on CBS and Paramount+), the focus will likely be on their promising player, Jadyn Shaw, who appears to be a pivotal component for the team’s future.
Since her trade from North Carolina Courage in September, Shaw has made a notable impact, despite only playing nine matches. She has been crucial for a squad that has faced its share of challenges, scoring goals in key games against Kansas City Current and Orlando Pride. In a recent statement, Shaw expressed that Gotham shouldn’t be viewed as mere underdogs, asserting, “We’re underdogs, we’re not underdogs,” as she rapidly transformed the team into a contender for the title.
Under the guidance of Juan Carlos Amoros, Gotham’s strategy has remained defensively strong, even following the season-ending injury of cornerstone defender Tierna Davidson just weeks into the 2025 season. Statistically, the team has performed well on the defensive end, maintaining solid numbers in goals allowed. While in 2024 they averaged 0.8 points per game and conceded 1.1 expected goals, this season they have improved to allowing only 0.9 goals per match with an expected goal count of 1.
Viewing Details for the NWSL Championship
- Date: November 22nd (Saturday)
- Time: 8 PM ET
- Venue: PayPal Park, San Jose, California
- TV: CBS | Streaming: Paramount+
- Odds: Washington Spirit +130; Draw +210; Gotham FC +190
Despite their strong defensive record, Gotham’s offensive statistics have dropped since last year. Currently, they rank 11th in the league with an average of 11.4 shots per game, down from 14.1 last season, resulting in an average of just 1.2 expected goals per game. The team saw significant roster changes as well during the off-season; notable players Yazmeen Ryan and Lynn Biendro departed for other teams.
The newcomers, such as Gabi Portillo and Gase, have not filled the gap left by their predecessors, while Midge Purse suffered an injury early in the season. This has left Gotham leaning heavily on MVP candidate Esther Gonzalez, who has netted 13 goals but accounted for about 40% of the team’s total, creating concerns as she was sidelined during a critical game due to injury.
While Gotham has struggled to replace Ryan and Biendro’s contributions, Shaw has stepped up, especially in Gonzalez’s absence. In a recent match against Kansas City, she was the standout player, not only scoring but also setting up another goal, showing her ability to take on a leading role.
Shaw has seamlessly adapted to Gotham’s tactical style, leading to improved performance on the field. Since her arrival, her statistics in chance creation, shots taken, and overall influence have increased, especially compared to her last season with San Diego Wave.
The burgeoning partnership between Shaw and Gonzalez will be significant, especially as they prepare to take the field together more frequently moving forward. With the Women’s World Cup on the horizon, Shaw’s rapid integration into the team sets her up to potentially become a key player in the championship match and beyond.
Fan Take
This championship showdown is crucial for soccer enthusiasts as it highlights the evolution of team dynamics and emerging talents within the league. Gotham FC’s trajectory reflects a broader narrative in women’s soccer, where unexpected heroes and rising stars can redefine competitiveness and inspire future generations.
